The 22nd annual BC Ukrainian Cultural Festival will feature nine dance troupes from various regions of BC, and one from Washington State.
The dance performances will be held in the Clarke Theatre in Mission on May 6.
Along with the dance performances, all of which are adjudicated, there will be a number of vendors offering an array of Ukrainian arts and crafts. Musicians will be performing at various locations in the venue and there will be a kitchen featuring Ukrainian cuisine – perogies and holoptsi (cabbage rolls) and kolbassa – available for the public.
“The groups, dressed in colourful regional costumes, will put on dances associated with all the various regions of Ukraine,” said Gladys Andreas, the founder of the eestival. “The dances are often fast-paced. It’s all very exciting and at times quite moving.”
Andreas has been recognized for her contribution to preserve, develop, and enhance Ukrainian culture in Canada by both the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, and by the Government of Ukraine. She has legendary status within BC’s Ukrainian community.
“Last year’s Festival had 270 performers, ranging in age from the very young to young adults in their 30s,” said Glenna Nychyporuk, the Festival’s president. “This year we are once again expecting troupes from the Island, from the Interior, from the Lower Mainland, and from the USA.”
The first performance kicks off at 9 a.m. and the opening ceremony is at 10 a.m. Things wrap up at about 6 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for students aged seven to 18, and $1 for children six and under.
The Clarke Theatre is located at 33700 Prentis Ave. in Mission. For more information visit bcucf.ca.